Sniffle season: 5 flu-fighting foods to help stay healthy in this chilly weather

Everyone seems to be carrying a tissue these days.

Yes, autumn is well and truly here and everyone is feeling the brunt of the recent bitterly-cold weather. We’re in the thick of cold and flu season, and everyone seems to be running to the pharmacy to get help. However, not all treatments are found over-the-counter. There are tonnes of things you can do to help rid yourself of the winter dose. Simply adding the right foods to your diet can have you seeing a huge difference and fast. Yes, there are indeed foods that are probably already in your cupboard that could have you feeling better in no time. Here are five foods to help fight the flu.  

Yoghurt

While bacteria is usually seen as a bad word, there are some that are actually good for our health. Probiotic foods like yoghurt help encourage the good bacteria in our bodies. This, in turn, does wonders for our digestive health. It also helps prevent upper respiratory tract infections – win!  

Garlic

These smelly cloves are full of allicin which in turn produces antioxidants as it breaks down in the body. Studies have shown that those who include garlic in their diets have a much lower chance of developing colds or flu during the winter months. It also proved that those who take garlic while sick feel better faster than those who don’t.  

Oily fish

We’re talking salmon, tuna and mackerel as well as others. Oily fish is jam-packed with omega-3 fatty acids which helps reduce inflammation in the body. This, in turn, helps our immune systems work at its best which then helps prevent things like colds and flu.  

Red peppers

While oranges might be the first thing you think of when it comes to vitamin C, red peppers are also a good food to turn to if you're looking to increase the amount you're taking. One pepper includes nearly 50 percent more of the vitamin than an orange.  

Milk

Milk is brimming with vitamin D which helps boost our immune system which then helps protect against colds and flu. Yes, those with lower levels of vitamin D in their diet are more at risk of getting sick. So, drink up!